After Fall of Tunisia to underdogs Mali, soccer buff Fashanu says there is no more small team in football
Dr. Yinka Fashanu, a soccer academy proprietor, has warned that there are “no more underdogs” in African football, citing Mali’s stunning upset of Tunisia as proof. “One plus one can’t be two in football,” he said, in an interview with daily query emphasizing the unpredictability of the sport.
The Africa Cup of Nations is living up to its reputation as the most unpredictable tournament in football, with several upsets already this season. Mozambique and Tanzania reached the knockout rounds for the first time, while Sudan progressed beyond the group stage for only the second time since lifting the trophy in 1970.
Senegal became the first team to book a spot in the quarterfinals, coming from behind to beat Sudan 3-1. The Lions of Teranga showed their quality, with Pape Gueye scoring a brace and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye adding a third.
Meanwhile, Algeria and Nigeria are among the favorites to advance, having finished the group stage with perfect records. Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Mozambique in the round of 16, while Algeria takes on DR Congo ².
The tournament is showcasing the growth and development of African football, with several teams making a statement. As Dr. Fashanu noted, there’s no room for complacency, and the competition is only getting fiercer.
